Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and like commerce, trade and making deals. Some are drawn to sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or managing a section in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented, and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Occupation Details

Assistant - EU

Education These occupations usually require a Leaving Certificate or equivalent.

Related Experience Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a bank teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

Job Training Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognised apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Monthly salaries in the European Commission range from around €2,300 per month for a newly recruited AST/SC 1 official to around €16,000 per month for a top level AD 16 official with over four years of seniority.

Each grade is broken up into five seniority steps with corresponding salary increases. Basic salaries are adjusted annually in line with inflation and purchasing power in the EU countries.

As the name may suggest the basic monthly salary is just the starting point to remuneration associated with EU jobs as an employee may be entitled to allowances. All payments are subject to relevant tax and charges.

So in general, to apply for an Assistant competition, you must have completed (at least) secondary school.

There are also a limited number of 'traineeships' (Stagiaires) available.

As a graduate, you will typically apply for Administrator (AD) profiles. As an official you can find yourself playing a key role in the EU’s processes with a high degree of responsibility from an early stage in your career.

The selection procedures for permanent positions with the EU are organised as ‘open competitions’. The most relevant competition for graduates is launched every March, with profiles varying from year to year. An open competition includes tests and assessment exercises designed to measure your professional skills and a number of core competencies. In view of the very large number of applicants, this is the fairest and most transparent selection procedure.

EU competitions are published on www.eu-careers.eu and announced by a competition notice, which provides full details of the profile, the eligibility criteria and the selection procedure. The format of the competitions varies depending on the profile being sought.

In order to be considered for the selection process, you will first need to meet the eligibility criteria (qualifications, professional experience, etc.) of a given competition, as published in the Official Journal or EPSO website.